Dumpster Fires (and Garbagemen)

“I help you put out dumpster fires.”

I was in the exhibit hall at a conference recently, and one of my long-standing associates (a consultant) had a booth for the first time.

She was eager to tell me her introductory phrase.

It was getting too long - almost elevator pitch length - but then she came up with a magic phrase to describe what most corporate onboarding programs are like: dumpster fires.

And right there, we had her new introductory memory dart: “I’m Emily, and I help you put out dumpster fires.”

Drop the jargon, keep the imagery. Vivid and unique wins over factual dullness.

Notice: This little hook doesn’t attempt to explain what she actually does. It’s meant to do one thing: bring the listener up short, intrigue them, and cause them to ask, “Huh…tell me more.”

THAT is the goal of the 15-second introduction. Not telling. Not selling. Being compelling. (Explaining is the next stage of the conversation - once you’ve earned attention.)

We don’t have minutes or hours to create a first impression and spark interest. We have seconds.

Another friend told me this week that at times, he tells people he’s just met that he once aspired to be a garbageman. That’s a perfect intro! Because now they have to ask: Why? What happened? And then they’re talking at a far more interesting level.

I sometimes tell people that I wanted to be an astronaut, but I had to settle for being the King of Clarity. It’s unexpected, amusing, and leads to questions, which is exactly what I want.

Think how amazing networking meetings - or conference interactions - would be if everyone was great at opening conversations with skillful introductions that intrigue instead of bore!

(Want to learn more about replacing the elevator pitch with memory darts? Tune into this video podcast interview where Drew Sutton and I discuss how mission-critical this is).

Let’s face it - most people have a dull, meandering, or (at best) neutral introduction. But this is our most important exchange in any new relationship! Shouldn’t we put time and effort into mastering the art of being creative and purposeful with our words when we talk to people?

Communication clarity is one of the most vital professional skills we can develop. Starting with the beginning. Introducing yourself.

Subscribe to my weekly LinkedIn newsletter, the Clarity Blend